Netflix reportedly will not renew Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s £73 million partnership when it expires in September 2025, marking a potential end to their streaming empire. The 2020 deal launched their post-royal entertainment careers, producing the hit documentary “Harry & Meghan,” which attracted 28 million households, though subsequent projects like “Polo” and “With Love, Meghan” notably underperformed. Netflix’s decision reflects shifting business priorities emphasizing return on investment over celebrity publicity value, creating uncertainty around the Sussexes’ remaining projects and future media aspirations.
Meghan Markle’s lucrative Netflix partnership, valued at £73–75 million ($100 million) and signed in 2020 following her and Prince Harry’s departure from royal duties, faces an uncertain future as the streaming giant reportedly declines to renew the multi-year agreement set to expire in September 2025.
The deal, initially positioned as a major platform for “impactful storytelling,” served as the couple’s primary public media venture following their royal exit. Netflix’s co-CEO described the partnership as a creative home for the Sussexes, highlighting ambitious goals that would establish their entertainment industry presence in California.
Project performance presents a mixed record, with the “Harry & Meghan” docuseries achieving remarkable success by becoming Netflix’s most-watched documentary, attracting 28 million households within its first two weeks. However, subsequent releases failed to replicate this initial triumph, with “Polo” drawing only 500,000 global viewers and “With Love, Meghan” briefly reaching Netflix’s top ten before falling outside the top 300 in 2025.
Multiple industry sources report Netflix’s decision not to renew coincides with shifting business priorities that emphasize return on investment over publicity value. The changing streaming landscape has reduced frequency of large-scale exclusivity deals, with insider commentary highlighting unmet performance expectations despite strong initial publicity surrounding the partnership. The couple’s original vision emphasized creating content that informs and inspires, particularly targeting family programming that builds resilience and understanding. Reports indicate no animosity exists between the Sussexes and Netflix regarding the decision.
Several projects remain in development, including a “Great Expectations” prequel focused on Miss Havisham and a “Meet Me at the Lake” film adaptation. A second season of “With Love, Meghan” is scheduled for fall premiere, though future seasons remain uncertain without Netflix renewal.
Meghan’s lifestyle brand “As Ever,” launched in partnership with Netflix, faces unclear prospects following the contract’s conclusion. The partnership’s non-renewal marks a significant challenge for the couple’s media aspirations, particularly given the £73–75 million figure represented a substantial portion of their reported income since relocating to California. Industry analysts compare the situation to successful celebrity media transformations, noting how figures like Kim Kardashian leveraged reality television platforms to build sustainable business empires.
Royal commentators note declining project performance has contributed to decreased public and industry perception, while continued media scrutiny surrounds the Sussexes’ entertainment future as they navigate an uncertain post-Netflix landscape.
